Make Shamrock Cupcakes From Standard Pans

Learn how to make yet another cupcake shape without having to buy specialty pans. These are great for St. Patrick's Day.  They are made using the same trick as my Heart Shaped Cupcakes.  You can adapt this technique for many different shapes by altering the marble placement and decorating techniques.

You will need:
cake batter (one box prepared according to package instructions)
cupcake pans
cupcake liners
marbles (rolled-up foil balls or pie weights can be used here instead)
frosting
colored sprinkles (optional)

Step 1: Fill the Pans

Place liners in your pan(s). Fill with cake batter 1/2 full. Do not overfill!
To create indentations in the cupcakes that will form the shape, you will be placing marbles between the pan and the lining paper. Place two close together to form the stem. Place two more spread out about 1/3 the distance between the rest of the circle (see picture).
Bake as usual.

Step 2: Cool the Cupcakes

Once they are baked, allow the cupcakes to cool at room temperature. The marbles will be quite hot so don't take the cupcakes out until they are cooled or you are prepared to handle the hot marbles. It is best just to wait it out.

Step 3: Frost

Part of the shamrock-shaped illusion is the frosting method. The proper use of icing can remedy even a warped looking shamrock (such as occur when cupcake papers are too full).
Ice a thin line into the "stem" section. Then spread the icing in three arches to accentuate the leaves.

Cover with colored sprinkles, if desired.